The reaction of benzion phenoxyacetyl hydrazone (H 2 BPAH) with some bivalent metal ions yields simple metal chelates having the general formula [Cd(H 2 BPAH)Cl 2 ], [Cu(HBPAH)OAc(H 2 O)], [Pd(HBPAH) 2 ], [Ni(BPAH)(H 2 O) 3 ] and [UO 2 (BPAH)(H 2 O) 3 ]. Elemental analyses, molar conductivity measurements, magnetic moment and spectral (IR, 1 H NMR, UV-Vis) studies have been used to elucidate their structures. The IR spectral data show that H 2 BPAH behaves in a different manner. Spectral and magnetic studies suggest different structures for Co(II), Cu(II) and Ni(II) ions, in good agreement with their structures, indicating high purity of all the compounds. The antibacterial studies of the present complexes show that they have a moderate antibacterial activity; however the ligand retards the corrosion. ª 2013 Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of King Saud University.